Withered

Early one morning Jesus was hungry, he saw a healthy looking fig tree with all of its leaves.  As he looked up He saw that it had not produce fruit, although it was fig season.  His response was to say to it, “May you never bear fruit again!”  Then, “Immediately the tree withered.”  The disciples were amazed as to how quickly the tree withered away to nothing.  (Matthew 21:19-20).

We Christians are like a fruit tree in season.  The Lord is continuous in bearing fruit for us, such as answering prayer.  I am reminded how God operates.  He never lets us down.  He is continuous in his love and favor.  As Apostle John shows us heaven, we see how God works; there we see the “tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month” (Rev. 22:2).  The Lord is non-stop, “24 x 7,” all day every day, all year every year, pouring out upon us.  In humility we simply receiver all He gives.  

Notice, God gives always.  Your fruit bowl may not be full this moment and it may take a while to get all the fruit you need to do accomplish God’s will for you.  Like Israel in the wilderness, they received quail and manna daily, enough nourishment for them to make it to the Promised Land, where God wanted them to be.  God provides.  Sometimes not as much as you wanted at once and neither as fast as you want.  But, in his will and his promise he does provide.

God answers prayer.  In example, you pray for cake.  Our Lord Almighty answer does not come in an instant, but over a few days.  First you receive some eggs, then some oil and butter, and them the chocolate for your favorite cake.  But, you want more.  You assume God has not answered your prayer.  Then a delivery truck comes with not only a pan and cooking utensils but also a new oven – more than you needed!  But, it is not the cake you prayed for!  You get frustrated and leave the kitchen.

God sees another fig tree with leaves and nothing else.

Just a thought,

Owen <><